Abstract: In a wireless local area network which includes access point having variable transmitter power levels, transmitter power data is sent from the access points to the mobile units and used by the mobile units in order to provide a corresponding variation in the transmitter power of the mobile unit.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member, such as an inflator assembly for an automobile air bag, to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly.

Abstract: A method of integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. A data collection object executes on the host computer, using a predetermined interface between the host application software and the data collection object. That interface, and the communications between the host application software and the data collection object, are configured so that to the host application software the data collection device appears to be local hardware on the host computer. The data collection object creates and executes threads of execution for controlling operation of the data collection device, with the threads communicating with the remote terminals via a host computer transport layer, the wireless link, and a remote computer transport layer at the remote terminals.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly. The spacer may be reconfigured in a number of ways to provide the appropriate combination of resistance against axial pressure and torsion.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved order fulfillment system. The system is provided with improved data entry system for selecting items for purchase by a customer, and an improved item collection terminal and order delivery system. The portable terminal to be used for collecting of items is provided with an audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide assistance to the to terminal user.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: An improved portable terminal system is described employing linked data files to present related information on a configurable display device. The portable terminal uses a machine coded reader to read machine coded data on an item and to register such information in a corresponding collection file. The system retrieves associated data files and presents such files in the form of a link if such information is determined to be non-essential. Thus, non-essential data may be presented as optional available data which may be accessed with a simple election command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved portable shopping system. The system is provided with improved data presentation system for presenting customer desired data on a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide customer specific marketing files to promote the sale of identified items.

Abstract: A stand assembly for use during golf is described. The stand assembly comprises a post having one end suitable for fixed insertion in the ground and a second end. The stand assembly also includes a support member that is designed and sized for selectively carrying a cigarette or cigar, or golf club grip.

Abstract: A scan-aware custom control for use in designing a graphical user interface is capable of being provided with both scanned input from a bar code reading device as well as standard keyboard input when desired by the operator. The scan-aware custom control is implemented by an applications developer in a similar fashion to standard text controls, and has custom properties to allow data entry parameters to be set at the time the interface is designed. The scan-aware custom control reads the custom property values from a preloaded properties file in order to configure the scanner interface in accordance with the desired symbologies to be decoded. The scan-aware custom control is implemented on a graphical user interface resident on a data entry terminal in order to facilitate data entry in both automatic and manual modes of entry.

Abstract: The present invention monitors thermocouple data from a semiconductor furnace. The data is checked against a first set of profiles which mimic an intended operational temperature profile for the furnace. If the temperature measured in any zone of the furnace falls outside a first set of maximum and minimum limits fixed by the mimicking profiles, a warning is generated thereby giving operational personnel an opportunity to correct the condition. If the condition remains unchecked and further deviation occurs, a second condition is reached as defined by a corresponding second set of mimicking maximum and minimum profiles. This condition is established as a serious condition which will cause a microprocessor to terminate power supply to the furnace. Otherwise, the quality of the grown crystal would be jeopardized; or sufficiently excessive power would be delivered to the furnace so as to cause its damage or destruction.

Abstract: A travelling slot cutting machine and method of cutting a workpiece upon the machine in which there are two independently operable and longitudinally aligned, endless conveyor belts, the adjacent ends of which are spaced apart to define a gap through which a cutting medium may be directed. To cut a workpiece supported over the gap, the cutting medium is directed through the gap while the cutting machine, as well as the gap, are moved longitudinally relative to the stationary workpiece. In moving the gap, the conveyors are clamped against movement over their respective supporting rollers. The supporting rollers are then moved in such a fashion that the length of at least one of the conveyor belts is maintained unchanged as the workpiece is transported from the upper run of one of the conveyor belts to the upper run of the other conveyor belts.